Apparatuses and kits for displaying items

ABSTRACT

An item-displaying apparatus and kit includes a post member having at least one opening formed in a sidewall thereof and at least one item-supporting frame. The frame includes a first branch member adapted to be inserted within the at least one opening, a second branch member having an item holder at its first portion and a linking member extending between the first branch member and the second branch member. When the first branch member is inserted into the at least one opening and a force is applied on the item holder, a second portion of the second branch member engages the sidewall of the post member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation application of U.S. Ser. No.15/094,006 filed on Apr. 8, 2016, that claims priority to CanadianApplication No 2,894,327 filed on Jun. 12, 2015. These documents arehereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to apparatuses and kits for displayingitems, such as flower and plant pots.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

In many fields, it may be desirable to display items in an attractiveway.

For horticulturists, both professional and amateur, it is desirable todisplay the plants that they have grown. A pot display allows aplurality of flower and plant pots to be placed in vicinity of oneanother, thereby allowing for the creation of a visual pleasing displayof flower and plants contained in the pots.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,018,898 describes a support having a portable bracketpole structure.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,068,761 describes An apparatus for supporting anddisplaying plants in a window, that is readily adaptable to windows ofvarious sizes and provides not only relocatable supporting platforms forpotted plants but also relocatable pegs from which hanging plants may bedisplayed.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,487,476 describes an ornamental tree flower pot displayis comprised of an upper support pipe formed as a hollow cylinder withopenings at both ends. The pipe also includes coupling means locatedadjacent to both ends. A lower support bar is formed as a hollowcylinder with openings at both ends. The lower support bar has a smallerdiameter and length than the upper support pipe and includes couplingmeans located adjacent to both ends. A joint is formed in a hollow,generally cylindrical configuration and includes an upper region and alower region with openings at both ends. The upper region has a largerdiameter than the lower region. The openings at both ends of the jointinclude coupling means to permit releasable coupling with the uppersupport pipe and lower support bar. A multi-unit branch ring consists ofa center piece formed in a hollow, generally cylindrical configurationwith openings at both ends. The center piece includes coupling means topermit releasable coupling with the upper support pipe. The center piecealso includes a plurality of branch holders affixed to its perimeter. Aplurality of branches are each formed as an elongated member with endsadapted to be positioned in the branch holder and suspend objectstherefrom.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,991,344 discloses a device for hanging plants, pots orthe like. The apparatus is comprised of a hollow center post havingmodularly pieced components upon which is mounted radially extendingarms and legs. A center hub is provided for mounting the radiallyextending arms and legs to said center post. The center post is adaptedfor being supported in its upright position by various type means formounting on the floor, a tree dolly or for mounting directly into theearth.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,770,303 discloses a demountable stand for supportinghanging plants comprises an elongated cylindrical center post having aplurality of sets of circumferentially disposed support arms whichextend radially outward therefrom to receive and support hanging plants.The support arms are square bar stock formed into an ornamentalconfiguration. A plurality of sets of circumferentially spacedvertically disposed rectangular connectors having vertically extendedsquare openings are attached circumferentially on the post at variouslocations along its length to slidably receive one end of the supportarms. A bottom set of connectors and leg members provide a base forsupporting the assembly in an upright position. Alternatively, straightsupport arms which extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of thepost may be employed to support one or more horizontal support membersfor supporting additional potted plants or to provide a table.

U.S. publication no. 2006/0124817 discloses a support for supporting anobject and of use with a vertically, upstanding member, the supportcomprising (i) a u-shaped member for operably embracing a portion of theupstanding member and having an elongate first arm and an elongatesecond arm, essentially parallel thereto, integrally formed one to theother at an interarm base portion, and defining an interarm distance andan interarm plane; and the first arm having a first arm terminal portionand the second arm having a second arm terminal portion; and wherein theinterarm distance is such as to allow the u-shaped member to operably,suitably receive a portion of the vertically upstanding member, (ii) anelongate extension arm having (a) a first terminal portion integrallyformed with and extending from the first arm at a joined portionthereof, whereby a downward force applied to the extension arm effects aturning motion on the joined portion and concomitant upward movement ofthe second arm; (b) a second terminal portion distal from the firstterminal portion; and (c) an object retention means integral with theextension arm at or adjacent the second terminal portion. The object ispreferably a flower pot and the upstanding member is a post or plankpreferably of a fence. The support allows the ready positioning and/orremoval of the flower pot adjacent the post or fence without the needfor nails, screws, or other post damaging articles.

Chinese utility model no. CN203313877U discloses a bird nest frame whichis composed of a nest frame, a stand column and a tripod, wherein theupper end of the stand column is connected with the nest frame, and thelower end of the stand column is connected with the tripod.

Chinese utility model no. CN202722115U discloses an assembledstereoscopic flowerpot comprising a base, a stand column body, branchbars, flower rack supports and flowerpot bodies. The stand column bodyis detachably arranged on the base. The branch bars are fixedlyinstalled on the stand column body. The flower rack supports arerespectively fixed on the branch bars. The flowerpot bodies arerespectively arranged in the flower rack supports. The assembledstereoscopic flowerpot is strong in greening stereoscopic impression,mountable, detachable, and convenient to move, can be used of plantingvarious flowers, plants and trees, and can meet the requirements ofpeople for three-dimensional greening decoration.

SUMMARY

It would thus be highly desirable to be provided with an apparatus,system or method that would at least partially address the disadvantagesof the existing technologies.

The embodiments described herein provide in one aspect an apparatus fordisplaying items, the apparatus comprising a post member having at leastone opening formed in a sidewall thereof, at least one item supportingframe comprising a first branch member received within the at least oneopening, a second branch member having an item holder at a first portionof the second branch, and a linking member extending between the firstbranch member and the second branch member, and wherein when a force isapplied on the item holder, a second portion of the second branch memberengages the sidewall of the post member.

According to another aspect, there is provided an item-displayingapparatus comprising:

-   -   a post member having at least one opening formed in a sidewall        thereof; and    -   at least one item supporting frame, each item supporting frame        comprising:        -   a first branch member received within the at least one            opening via a connector, the connector engaging a portion of            the first branch member and retaining the first branch            member within the at least one opening;        -   a second branch member having an item holder at a first            portion of the second branch; and        -   a linking member extending between the first branch member            and the second branch member,            wherein when a downward force is applied on the item holder,            a second portion of the second branch member engages the            sidewall of the post member,            and wherein when the post member is in an upright position,            the first branch member is positioned at a height along the            post member above a height of the item holder of the second            branch, the first branch member and second branch member are            oriented substantially horizontally and the linking member            is oriented substantially vertically.

According to another aspect, there is provided an item displaying kitcomprising:

-   -   a post member having at least one opening formed in a sidewall        thereof;    -   at least one item supporting frame, each item supporting frame        comprising:        -   a first branch member adapted to be inserted within the at            least one opening via a connector, the connector being            adapted to engage a portion of the first branch member and            to retain the first branch member within the at least one            opening;        -   a second branch member having an item holder at a first            portion of the second branch; and        -   a linking member adapted to extend between the first branch            member and the second branch member,            wherein when the first branch member is inserted into the at            least one opening via the connector and a downward force is            applied on the item holder, a second portion of the second            branch member engages the sidewall of the post member, and            wherein when the post member is in an upright position, the            first branch member is positioned at a height along the post            member above a height of the item holder of the second            branch, the first branch member and second branch member are            oriented substantially horizontally and the linking member            is oriented substantially vertically.

The embodiments described herein provide in another aspect an itemdisplaying kit comprising a post member having at least one openingformed in a sidewall thereof, at least one item supporting framecomprising a first branch member adapted to be inserted within the atleast one opening, a second branch member having an item holder at afirst portion of the second branch, and a linking member extendingbetween the first branch member and the second branch member and whereinwhen the first branch member is inserted into the at least one openingand a force is applied on the item holder, a second portion of thesecond branch member engages the sidewall of the post member.

DRAWINGS

The following drawings represent non-limitative examples in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an elevation view of a pot-displaying apparatusaccording to one exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the exemplary pot-displayingapparatus;

FIG. 3 illustrates an elevation view of a pot-displaying apparatusaccording to a first alternative exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the pot-displaying apparatusaccording to the first alternative exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a pot-displaying apparatusaccording to a second alternative exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a close-up view of a base portion of thepot-displaying apparatus according to various exemplary embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

The following examples are presented in a non-limiting manner.

The word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising”in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one”, but it is alsoconsistent with the meaning of “one or more”, “at least one”, and “oneor more than one” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.Similarly, the word “another” may mean at least a second or more unlessthe content clearly dictates otherwise.

As used in this specification and claim(s), the words “comprising” (andany form of comprising, such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having”(and any form of having, such as “have” and “has”), “including” (and anyform of including, such as “include” and “includes”) or “containing”(and any form of containing, such as “contain” and “contains”), areinclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecitedelements or process steps.

The terms “coupled” or “coupling” as used herein can have severaldifferent meanings depending on the context in which these terms areused. For example, the terms coupled or coupling can have a mechanicalor electrical connotation. For example, as used herein, the termscoupled or coupling can indicate that two elements or devices aredirectly connected to one another or connected to one another throughone or more intermediate elements or devices via an electrical element,electrical signal or a mechanical element depending on the particularcontext.

The term “engages” as used herein when referring to the interactionbetween the second portion of the second branch member and the sidewallof the post member can refer to a frictional engagement. For example, itcan refer to the second portion of the second branch member that abutsthe sidewall of the post member. For example, it can refer to the secondportion of the second branch member that abuts the exterior sidewall ofthe post member. For example, it can refer to the second portion of thesecond branch member that penetrates the sidewall of the post member.For example, it can refer to the second portion of the second branchmember that is inserted into the post member. For example, theengagement can be a surface to surface contact between the secondportion of the second branch member and the exterior sidewall of thepost member.

According to example item-displaying apparatuses disclosed herein, thesecond portion of the second branch member abuts the sidewall of thepost member to engage it.

According to example item-displaying apparatuses disclosed herein, theat least one opening comprises opposing openings in the sidewall and theat least one item supporting frame comprises a first item supportingframe inserted into a first of the opposing openings and second itemsupporting frame inserted into a second of the opposing openings.

According to example item-displaying apparatuses disclosed herein, theapparatus further includes a connector extending through the post memberbetween the opposing openings and connecting the first item supportingframe and the second item supporting frame.

According to example item-displaying apparatuses disclosed herein, thefirst member is positioned at a height along the post member above aheight of the item holder of the second branch member.

According to example item-displaying apparatuses disclosed herein, thefirst branch member is oriented substantially horizontally, the secondbranch member is oriented substantially horizontally, and the linkingmember is oriented substantially vertically.

According to example item-displaying apparatuses disclosed herein, theforce applied on the item holder causes a dominantly horizontal force tobe applied on the second branch member, thereby causing engagement ofthe second branch member with the sidewall of the post member.

According to example item-displaying apparatuses disclosed herein, thedominantly horizontal force on the second branch member causesfrictional engagement of the second portion of the second branch memberwith the sidewall of the post member.

According to example item-displaying apparatuses disclosed herein, theitem holder of the second branch member comprises an elbow joint havinga vertically extending portion and an item holding plate supported bythe vertically extending portion.

According to example item-displaying apparatuses disclosed herein, theat least one opening comprises a first opening formed at a first heightalong the post member and a second opening formed at a second heightalong the post member, the first height being different from the secondheight, and a post supporting frame is received in each of the firstopening and the second opening.

According to example item-displaying apparatuses disclosed herein, thepost member comprises a plurality of subsections connected end to end.

According to example item-displaying apparatuses disclosed herein, theat least one opening comprises a first opening formed at a first lengthalong one of the subsections and a second opening formed at a secondlength along said one of the subsections, the first length beingdifferent from the second length and in a post supporting frame isreceived in each of the first opening and the second opening.

According to example item-displaying apparatuses disclosed herein, thefirst branch member, the second branch member and the linking member areintegrally formed.

According to example item-displaying apparatuses disclosed herein, thefirst branch member, the second branch member and the linking member areglued together.

According to example item-displaying apparatuses disclosed herein, thepost member, the first branch member and the second branch member areformed of non-metallic material.

According to example item-displaying apparatuses disclosed herein, thepost member, the first branch member and the second branch member areformed of recycled material.

According to example item-displaying apparatuses disclosed herein, thepost member, the first branch member and the second branch member areformed of building pipes.

According to example item-displaying apparatuses disclosed herein, thebuilding pipes are formed of at least one of PVC, ABS, plastic, andmetal.

According to example item-displaying apparatuses disclosed herein, theapparatus includes a base for supporting the post member in an uprightposition.

According to example item-displaying apparatuses disclosed herein, theapparatus is formed of at least 50% recycled material by weight based onthe total weight of the item-displaying apparatus.

According to example item-displaying apparatuses disclosed herein, theapparatus is formed of at least 70% recycled material by weight based onthe total weight of the item-displaying apparatus.

According to example item-displaying apparatuses disclosed herein, theapparatus is formed of at least 90% recycled material by weight based onthe total weight of the item-displaying apparatus.

According to example item-displaying apparatuses disclosed herein, thepost member and the supporting frame are coupled together using at leastone of fastening, soldering, bonding and clipping.

According to example item-displaying apparatuses disclosed herein, thepost member is coupled to the base member using at least one offastening, soldering, bonding and clipping.

According to example item-displaying apparatuses disclosed herein, thebuilding pipes are retooled using at least one of cutting, sawing,drilling and machining.

According to example item-displaying apparatuses disclosed herein, theapparatus further includes a bin coupled to the post member andextending angularly about the post member.

According to example item-displaying kits disclosed herein, the at leastone opening comprises opposing openings in the sidewall and the at leastone item supporting frame comprises a first item supporting frameadapted to be inserted into a first of the opposing openings and asecond item supporting framed adapted to be inserted into a second ofthe opposing openings.

According to example item-displaying kits disclosed herein, the kitfurther includes a connector adapted to extend through the post memberbetween the opposing openings and to connect the first item supportingframe the second item supporting frame.

According to example item-displaying kits disclosed herein, kit furtherincludes a base adapted to support the post member in an uprightposition.

According to example item-displaying kits disclosed herein, when thepost member is in the upright position and the at least one itemsupporting frame is inserted into the at least one opening, the firstbranch member is oriented substantially horizontally, the second branchmember is oriented substantially horizontally and the linking member isoriented substantially vertically.

According to example item-displaying kits disclosed herein, when thepost member is in the upright position and the at least one itemsupporting frame is inserted into the at least one opening, and a forceis applied on the item holder, a dominantly horizontal force is appliedonto the second branch member, thereby causing engagement of the secondbranch member with the sidewall of the post member.

According to example item-displaying kits disclosed herein, the postmember comprises a plurality of subsections adapted to be connected endto end.

According to example item-displaying kits disclosed herein, the postmember, the first branch member and the second branch member are formedof non-metallic material.

According to example item-displaying kits disclosed herein, the postmember, the first branch member and the second branch member are formedof recycled material.

According to example item-displaying kits disclosed herein, the postmember, the first branch member and the second branch member are formedof building pipes chosen from PVC, ABS, metal and plastic.

According to example item-displaying kits disclosed herein, the kit isformed of at least 50% recycled material by weight based on the totalweight of the item-displaying kit.

According to example item-displaying kits disclosed herein, the kit isformed of at least 70% recycled material by weight based on the totalweight of the item-displaying kit.

According to example item-displaying kits disclosed herein, the kit isformed of at least 90% recycled material by weight based on the totalweight of the item-displaying kit.

According to example item-displaying kits disclosed herein, the buildingpipes are retooled using at least one of cutting, sawing, drilling andmachining.

According to example item-displaying kits disclosed herein, the postmember and the supporting frame are coupled together using at least oneof fastening, soldering, bonding and clipping.

According to example item-displaying kits disclosed herein, the postmember is coupled to the base member using at least one of fastening,soldering, bonding and clipping.

According to example item-displaying kits disclosed herein, anitem-displaying apparatus assembled from the kit is variable in at leastone of height and width.

According to example item-displaying kits disclosed herein, the postmember further includes a bin adapted to be coupled to the post member 4and to extend angularly about the post member.

According to example disclosed herein, there is provided a method ofassembling an apparatus or a kit as described in the present disclosure,the method comprises coupling together the post member by using amanufacturing method (for example at least one of fastening, soldering,bonding and clipping).

According to example disclosed herein, the method of manufacturingcomprises coupling the post member by using a manufacturing method (forexample at least one of fastening, soldering, bonding and clipping).

According to example disclosed herein, the only means penetration ofpart of element 48 into the body of the poteau central, but also coversthe possibility to have a simple frictional surface to surface contactbetween an end of the second branch 48 and the poteau central, the endof the second branch 48 being as represented in the Figures but havingthe possibility to be any adapted end of an extension of the first andor of the second branch.

According to example disclosed herein, the second portion of the secondbranch member engages the exterior of the sidewall of the post member.

According to example disclosed herein, the second portion of the secondbranch member engages solely the exterior of the sidewall of the postmember.

According to example disclosed herein, the second portion of the secondbranch member abuts the exterior of the sidewall of the post member toengage it.

According to example disclosed herein, the second portion of the secondbranch member engages the sidewall of the post member and whereinengagement between the second portion of the second branch member andthe sidewall of the post member consists essentially in the secondbranch member abutting the exterior of the sidewall of the post memberto engage it.

According to example disclosed herein, the second portion of the secondbranch member engages the sidewall of the post member and whereinengagement between the second portion of the second branch member andthe sidewall of the post member consists in the second branch memberabutting the exterior of the sidewall of the post member to engage it

According to example disclosed herein, the first portion is an endportion.

According to example disclosed herein, the second portion is an endportion.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2 simultaneously, therein illustrated is aside elevation view and an exploded view, respectively, of anitem-displaying apparatus 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. Theitem-displaying apparatus 1 includes a post member 4, which may besupported by a base 8.

A bottom portion 12 of the post member 4 is adapted to be coupled to thebase 8. When appropriately coupled, the post member 4 retains asubstantially upright position, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

The post member 4 may be coupled to the base 8 to be freely rotatable inits upright position. Alternatively, the post member 4 is in a fixedposition when coupled to the base 8.

For example, and as illustrated, the bottom portion 12 of the postmember 4 includes a flange 16 extending outwardly from a sidewall 20 ofthe post member 4. The flange 16 may be bonded to the bottom end 12 ofthe post member 4 using a suitable adhesive.

For example, and as illustrated, the flange 16 may have formed thereinone or more openings 24. The base 8 may also have formed therein one ormore openings 28 that correspond to openings 24 of the flange 16.Accordingly, the post member 4 can be coupled to the base 8 usingfasteners, such as screws, nuts and bolts, and/or ties, extendingthrough the openings 24 and openings 28.

For example, and as illustrated, the base 8 may be formed of elongatedboards arranged in a cross. The elongated boards may be formed of anysuitable material, such as wood, such as plywood. When arranged in across, an upper board may have feet 32 to ensure stability of the base.For example, the base may include two elongated plywood boards eachhaving a dimension of approximately 1.25 inches by approximately 7inches by approximately 36 inches.

Continuing with FIGS. 1 and 2, the post member 4 includes at least oneopening 36 formed in the sidewall 20 of the post member 4. The at leastone opening may be formed by drilling through the sidewall 20 of thepost member 4.

The item-displaying apparatus 1 further includes at least oneitem-supporting frame 40. A item-supporting frame 40 includes a firstbranch member 44 and a second branch member 48. A linking member 52extends between the first branch member 44 and the second branch member48. For example, and as illustrated, the first branch member 44 and thesecond branch member 48 may be arranged parallel to one another and thelinking member 52 extends transversely between them. The linking member52 may be perpendicular to the first branch member 44 and the secondbranch member 48.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the first branch member 44,the second branch member 48 and the linking member 52 may be integrallyformed.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the first branch member 44,the second branch member 48 and the linking member 52 are discrete partsthat are bonded together using a suitable adhesive.

The first branch member 44 is adapted to be inserted into the at leastone opening 36. For example, the diameter of the opening 36 is sized tocorrespond to an outer diameter of the first branch member 44 such thatthe first branch member 44 fits snugly within the opening 36.Alternatively, the first branch member 44 is inserted into the at leastone opening 36 via a connector 56. The connector 56 engages a portion ofthe first branch member 44 and is further inserted into the one opening36, thereby retaining the first branch member 44 within the opening 36.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the first branch member 44may be surrounded by a deformable foam to promote retention of the firstbranch member 44 within the opening 36.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the first branch member 44may be retained within the opening 36 without use of adhesives.

For example, the first branch member 44 may be removed after beinginserted into the opening 36.

A first portion of the second branch member 48 includes an item holderfor holding an item, such as a flower pot or plant pot. For example, andas illustrated, the item holder includes an elbow joint 60 and an itemholding plate 64. As illustrated, the second branch member 48 may beformed of an inner portion 72 and outer portion 76. The inner portion 72is joined to the first branch member 4 via the linking member 52. Theouter portion 76 includes the item holder.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the second branch member 48extends past an outer portion 68 of the first branch member 44 such thatthe item holder of the second branch member 48 is located at a distancefrom the post member 4 that is greater than a distance of the outerportion 68 from the post member 4.

When a force is applied on the item holder of the second branch member48, a second portion 80 of the second branch member engages the sidewall20 of the post member 4. For example, the second branch member 48 isurged towards the sidewall 20 such that the second portion 80 abutsagainst the sidewall 20. This abutment causes the second portion 80 tofrictionally engage the sidewall 20, thereby retaining the itemsupporting frame 40 in place.

When the post member 4 is in its upright position, as illustrated inFIG. 1, the first branch member 44 is positioned at a height along thepost member 4 that is higher than the height of the second branch member48. The first branch member 44 is also positioned at a height that ishigher than the height of the item holder of the second branch member48. Both the first branch member 44 and the second branch member 48 areoriented substantially horizontally with respect to an underlying planesupporting the item displaying apparatus 1. The linking member 52 isoriented substantially vertically. Accordingly, the elbow joint 60 ofthe second branch member 48 has a vertically extending portion thatsupports the item holding plate 64. Accordingly, the item holding plate64 presents a substantially horizontal surface upon which an item cansit.

When an item, such as a flower pot or plant pot, is placed upon the potholder of the second branch member 48, a downward force is applied ontothe first portion of the second branch member 48 due to gravity.Furthermore, the joint of the first branch member 44 and the linkingmember 52 acts as a pivot point when this downward force is applied.Therefore, the downward force applied onto the first portion of thesecond branch member 48 causes a dominantly horizontal force to beapplied on to the second portion 80 of the second branch member 48. Thisdominantly horizontal force causes frictional engagement of the secondbranch member 48 with the post member 4. Accordingly, the second branchmember 48 abuts an exterior vertical surface of the sidewall 20.

It will be understood that “a dominantly horizontal force” means a forcehaving a component in the horizontal direction that is substantiallygreater than its component in the vertical direction. For example, theforce in the horizontal direction is at least 1.5 times the force in thevertical direction. For example, the force in the horizontal directionis at least 2 times the force in the vertical direction. For example,the force in the horizontal direction is at least 3 times the force inthe vertical direction.

According to various exemplary embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS.1 and 2, the item-displaying apparatus 1 includes opposing openings 36and 36′ formed in the sidewall 20 of the post member 4. For example, theopenings 36 and 36′ may be formed by drilling a channel through the postmember 4. Accordingly, a first item supporting frame 40 and a seconditem supporting frame 40′ are respectively inserted into a first opening36 of the opposing openings and a second opening 36′ of the opposingopenings. The connector 56 may extend between the opposing openings 36and 36′ and connect to both the first branch member 44 of the first itemsupporting frame 40 and the first branch member 44′ of the second itemsupporting frame 40′. As a result, the first supporting frame 40 and thesecond supporting frame 40′ are positioned opposite one another and oneither side of the post member 4. The oppositely positioned supportingframes 40 and 40′ therefore present two item holders for placing items,such as flower or plant pots. Furthermore, the oppositely positionedsupporting frames 40 and 40′ may contribute to a better weight balanceof the item-displaying apparatus 1.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the post member 4 of theitem-displaying apparatus 1 includes a plurality of subsectionsconnected end to end. According to the example illustrated in FIGS. 1and 2, the post member 4 includes an upper subsection 84 and a lowersubsection 88.

Each of the upper subsection 84 and the lower subsection 88 has at leastone opening formed therein for receiving item-supporting frames.

For example, and as illustrated, the upper subsection 84 hasperpendicularly oriented through holes 92 and 96 that have insertedtherein rods 100 and 104 respectively. The rods 100 and 104 are adaptedto support hanging planters. In some exemplary embodiments, the rods 100and 104 may be hollow and have one or more openings 108 formed on theunderside of the rods 100, 104 for receiving hooks of the hangingplanters.

For example, and as illustrated, the lower subsection 88 has theopposing openings 36 and 36′ that have inserted therein theitem-supporting frames 40 and 40′ as described elsewhere herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4 simultaneously, therein illustrated is aside elevation view and an exploded view, respectively, of anitem-displaying apparatus 120 according to an alternative exemplaryembodiment.

The lower subsection 88 of the alternative item-displaying apparatus 120has opposing openings 36 and 36′ that have inserted therein theitem-supporting frames 40 and 40′ as described elsewhere herein.

The upper subsection 84 of the alternative item-displaying apparatus hasopposing openings 92 and 92′ that have inserted therein item-supportingframes 124 and 124′ that have functional characteristics correspondingto those of the item-supporting frames 40 and 40′.

For example, the item-supporting frames 124 and 124′ each have a firstbranch member 144 (144′) and second branch member 148 (148′) and alinking member 152 (152′) that extends between the first branch member144 and the second branch member 148. The first branch members 144 ofthe item-supporting frames 124, 124′ are inserted into opposing openings92 and 92′ and may be connected by a suitable connector 128. When aforce is applied on either one of the item holders 164, 164′, acorresponding second branch member 148 or 148′ is urged horizontally toengage the sidewall 156 of the upper subsection 84. For example, thesecond branch member 148 or 148′ and/or the linking member 152 or 152′can be flexible thereby facilitating removable engagement with thesidewall 156.

It will be appreciated that in comparison to the item-displayingapparatus 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the alternativeitem-displaying apparatus 1 presents four item-holding surfaces forsupporting items, such as flower or plant pots.

The item holders 164, 164′ of the upper subsection 84 are illustrated tobe closer to the post member 4 than the item holding plates 64 and 64′of the lower subsection 88. However, it will be understood that in otherexemplary embodiments, the item holders 164 and 164′ may be of equaldistance or greater distance from the post member 4 than the itemholding plates 64 and 64′ of the lower subsection 88.

The item-supporting frames 124 and 124′ of the upper subsection 84 areillustrated to be parallel to the item-supporting frames 40 and 40′ ofthe lower subsection 88. However it will be understood that in otherexemplary embodiments, the item-supporting frames 124 and 124′ may beoriented differently from the item-supporting frames 40 and 40′ of thelower subsection 88. In one exemplary embodiment, the item-supportingframes 124 and 124′ are oriented perpendicularly to the item-supportingframes 40 and 40′ of the lower subsection 88.

Referring now to FIG. 5, therein illustrated is a perspective view of anitem-displaying apparatus 200 according to a second alternativeembodiment. The item displaying apparatus 200 includes a first openingformed at a first length along one of its post member subsections and asecond opening formed at a different length along the same post membersubsection. Furthermore, item supporting frames are inserted into eachof the openings such that item supporting frames are positioned atdifferent heights along the post member subsection.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, a first pair of oppositely positioneditem-supporting frames 40 and 40′ are inserted into a first pair ofopposing openings 36 and 36′ of the lower subsection 88 of the postmember 4 as described herein with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

Furthermore, a second pair of oppositely positioned item-supportingframes 240 and 240′ are inserted into a second pair of opposing openings236 and 236′ of the same lower subsection 88. The second pair ofopposing openings 236 and 236′ and are positioned at a height that isbelow the height of the first pair of opposing openings 36 and 36′.Accordingly, the second pair of oppositely positioned item-supportingframes 240 and 240′ are also positioned below the first pair ofoppositely positioned item-supporting frames 40 and 40′.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the second pair of opposingopenings 236 and 236′ are oriented differently from the first pair ofopposing openings 36 and 36′. Accordingly, the second pair of oppositelypositioned item-supporting frames 240 and 240′ are also orienteddifferently from the first pair of oppositely positioned item-supportingframes 40 and 40′. For example, the second pair of oppositely positioneditem-supporting frames 240 and 240′ may be oriented perpendicularly tothe first pair of oppositely positioned item-supporting frames 40 and40′.

According to various exemplary embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG.5, the second pair of opposing openings 236 and 236′ are slightlystaggered in height with respect to the first pair of opposing openings36 and 36′. For example, the second pair of opposing openings 236 and236′ are positioned below the first pair of opposing openings 36 and 36′but above the height of the second branch members 48 and 48′ of thefirst pair of oppositely positioned item supporting frames 40 and 40′.Accordingly, the first branch members 244 and 244′ of the second pair ofoppositely positioned item supporting frames 240 and 240′ are positionedat a height between the first branch members 44, 44′ and the secondbranch members 48, 48′ of the first pair of oppositely positioned itemsupporting frames 40 and 40′.

This exemplary arrangement of the item supporting frames 40, 40′, 240and 240′ provides an aesthetically pleasing intertwined look to thebranch members of the supporting frames of the lower subsection 88 ofthe post member 4. Furthermore, this exemplary arrangement allows aplurality of item holders (four item holders in the example of FIG. 5)to be placed in close vicinity of one another. Furthermore, thestaggered height of the first pair of supporting frames 40 and 40′relative to the second pair of supporting frames 240 and 240′ stillallow the item-supporting frames 40 and 40′ to be connected togetherwith the connector 56 extending between the openings 36 and 36′ whilealso allowing the item-supporting frames 240 and 240′ and to beconnected together with another connector extending between the openings236 and 236′. This exemplary arrangement further ensures symmetry of theitem-displaying apparatus 200, thereby providing good weight balancewhen flower or plant items are placed on the item holders of theitem-supporting frames 40, 40′, 240 and 240′.

Referring now to FIG. 6, therein illustrated is a perspective close-upview of a base portion of the item-displaying apparatus 1. A bin 300 anda sub-bin 304 are provided proximate the base 8 of the item-displayingapparatus 1. The bin 300 and sub-bin 304 may be used to collect debrisfalling from flowers or plants placed in item holders above.Alternatively, the bin 300 may be used as a pot for cultivatingadditional flowers and/or plants. The bin 300 extends angularly aboutthe post member 4.

According to some exemplary embodiments, the sub-bin-304 is supported bythe base 8 and the bin 300 is disposed within the sub-bin 304. Forexample, and as illustrated, a bottom of the bin 300 may have a notch305 that cooperates with sidewalls of the sub-bin 304 so that the bin300 is retained within the sub-bin 304.

Alternatively, the bin 300 may be positioned at an elevated positionabove the base 8 by fixing the bin 300 to an additional opening in thepost member 4. The sub-bin 304 may be supported by the base 8.

For example, and as illustrated, the bin 300 and sub-bin 304 may extendabout the post member 4 to form a quarter circle. However, it will beunderstood that in other exemplary embodiments, the bin 300 and sub-bin304 may have any other suitable shape and/or angular width. In someembodiments, more than one bin 300 and sub-bin 304 may be provided. Forexample, two bins 300 and two sub-bins 304 may be provided to form asemi-circle. For example, three bins 300 and three sub-bins 304 may beprovided to form a three-quarter circle. For example, opposing bins maybe provided (not shown) for better weight balance of the item-displayingapparatus.

According to various exemplary embodiments, various components of theitem displaying apparatus 1, 120 and/or 200 may be formed ofnon-metallic materials.

According to various exemplary embodiments, various components of theitem displaying apparatus 1, 120 and/or 200 may be formed of recycledmaterials. It will be understood that recycled materials herein refersto materials that was previously used for another purpose but have beenrepurposed for use within the item-displaying apparatus.

For example, various components of the item displaying apparatus 1, 120and/or 200 may be formed of building pipes and accessories, such asrecycled building pipes and accessories. For example, the building pipesmay be formed of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), PVC (polyvinylchloride), metal and plastic. The recycled building pipes andaccessories may have previously been used within a commercial orresidential building but are now repurposed for use within theitem-displaying apparatus.

For example, the post member 4 may be formed of one or more buildingpipes (ex: recycled building pipes) of the same or different diameters.For example, a pipe having a larger diameter is used for the lowersubsection 88 than the pipe used for the upper subsection 84. The lowersubsection 88 may be an ABS pipe having a diameter of approximately 3inches. The lower subsection 88 may be a standard ABS pipe sectionhaving the diameter of approximately 3 inches and a length ofapproximately 36 inches. The upper subsection 84 may be an ABS pipehaving a diameter of approximately 2 inches. The upper subsection 84 maybe a standard ABS pipe section having the diameter of approximately 2inches and a length of approximately 36 inches. Openings 36, 36′, 90,90′, 92, 92′, 236 and 236′ and any other openings may be formed in theABS pipe prior to assembly of the item-displaying apparatus. An adaptermay be used to connect the upper subsection 84 and lower subsection 88of different diameters. A pipe plug 304 may be used to plug a topopening of the post member 4.

For example, portions of the item-supporting frames 40, 40′, 124, 124′,240, and 240′ may be building pipes (ex: recycled building pipes) of thesame or different diameters. The first branch members 44, 44′, 144,144′, 244 and 244′ may be ABS pipe sections having a diameter ofapproximately 1.5 inches. Approximately 1.5 inch diameter ABS plugs 312,312′ may be used to plug end openings of the first branch members.

ABS plugs 312, 312′ may be perforated to define an opening. A supportingstring or rope may be passed at one end through opening and tied atanother end to an upper portion of the post member 4. The use of thestring or rope tied in this manner can further promote stability of theitem-supporting frames. For example, the string or rope may be elastic.

Similarly, the second branch members 48, 48′, 148, 148′, 248, 248′ maybe ABS pipe sections having a diameter of approximately 1.5 inches.Approximately 1.5 inch diameter ABS elbows may also be used for the itemholder of the second branch members. An approximately 1.5 inch diameterABS plug 308 may also be provided to plug a top opening of the elbow.The first branch member may be glued to its corresponding second branchmember prior to assembly of the item-displaying apparatus.

Furthermore, the connector 56 or other connectors for connectingopposing first branch members may also be an ABS pipe section having adiameter of approximately 1.5 inches. The connector may be a pipesection having the approximately 1.5 inch diameter and approximately 5.5inch length.

For example, the rods 100, 104 may be building pipes (ex: recycledbuilding pipes) of the same of different diameters. The rods 100, 104may be ABS pipe sections having a diameter of approximately 1.5 inches.For example, the rods 100, 104 as ABS pipe sections may have a length ofapproximately 5.5 inches. The openings 108 may be formed by drilling theABS pipe sections prior to assembly of the item-displaying apparatus.

For example, the bin 300 and sub-bin 304 may be formed of a recycledplastic.

According to various exemplary embodiments, at least 50% of theitem-displaying apparatus is formed of recycled material.

According to various exemplary embodiments, at least 70% of theitem-displaying apparatus is formed of recycled material.

According to various exemplary embodiments, at least 90% of theitem-displaying apparatus is formed of recycled material.

Components of the item-displaying apparatus described herein accordingto various exemplary embodiments may be provided disassembled within akit. For example, the kit would include at least the post member 4 andat least one item-supporting frame 40. The post member 4 is providedwithin the kit having an already preformed opening 36 that has adiameter corresponding to the first branch member 44 of theitem-supporting frame 40 The item-displaying apparatus can then beassembled by coupling the post member 4 to a suitable base 8 andinserting the item-supporting frame 40 into the opening 36 alreadypreformed in the post member 4.

The item-displaying apparatus can be expanded upon by acquiringadditional components, such as the base 8, one or more additionalsubsections (ex: upper subsection 84 or lower subsection 88),item-supporting rods 100 and/or 104, additional item-supporting frames,one or more bins 300 and/or one or more sub-bins 304.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more of the base 8, one or moreadditional subsections (ex: upper subsection 84 or lower subsection 88),item-supporting rods 100 and/or 104, additional item-supporting frames,one or more bins 300 and/or one or more sub-bins 304 may be providedwithin the kit.

For example, the post member 4 is provided with opposing openings 36 and36′ and the kit includes at least two item-supporting frames 40.

It will be appreciated that item-displaying apparatus and kits describedherein provide great modularity in creating a suitable item-displayingapparatus. For example, the height of the item-displaying apparatus 1can be varied by using different numbers of subsections 84, 88 orsubsections 84, 88 of different lengths. Alternatively, or additionally,the number and/or types of items that can be displayed can be varied byusing different types and/or numbers of item holders (ex:item-supporting frames 40 or rods 100). The item holders may furtherhave different properties such as height (ex: length of linking member52) or width (ex: distance between item holder and second portion of thesecond branch member or length of rods 100).

It will be understood that item-displaying apparatuses and kitsdescribed herein may be used to display various types of items otherthan flower or plant pots. For example, items that can be displayed mayinclude products for sale or presentation, such as in a retail orexhibition space. Other items may include works for arts and crafts,etc.

It will be appreciated that, for simplicity and clarity of illustration,where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated amongthe figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements or steps. Inaddition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide athorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments described herein.However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the artthat the embodiments described herein may be practiced without thesespecific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures andcomponents have not been described in detail so as not to obscure theembodiments described herein. Furthermore, this description is not to beconsidered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein inany way but rather as merely describing the implementation of thevarious embodiments described herein.

1. An item-displaying apparatus comprising: a post member having atleast one opening formed in a sidewall thereof; and at least one itemsupporting frame, each item supporting frame comprising: a first branchmember received within the at least one opening via a connector, theconnector engaging a portion of the first branch member and retainingthe first branch member within the at least one opening; a second branchmember having an item holder at a first portion of the second branch;and a linking member extending between the first branch member and thesecond branch member, wherein when a downward force is applied on theitem holder, a second portion of the second branch member engages thesidewall of the post member, and wherein when the post member is in anupright position, the first branch member is positioned at a heightalong the post member above a height of the item holder of the secondbranch, the first branch member and second branch member are orientedsubstantially horizontally and the linking member is orientedsubstantially vertically.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe second portion of the second branch member abuts the sidewall of thepost member to engage it.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 1,comprising at least two opposing openings and at least twoitem-supporting frames, wherein the at least two opposing openingscomprise a first pair of opposing openings in the sidewall and a secondpair of opposing openings in the sidewall oriented different from thefirst pair of opposite openings; and wherein the at least twoitem-supporting frames comprise a first pair of oppositely positioneditem-supporting frames being received in the first pair of opposingopenings and a second pair of oppositely positioned item-supportingframes being received in the second pair of opposing openings.
 4. Theapparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second pair of oppositelypositioned item-supporting frames are oriented perpendicularly to thefirst pair of oppositely positioned item-supporting frames.
 5. Theapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second portion of the secondbranch member abuts an exterior vertical surface of the sidewall of thepost member to engage it.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe downward force applied on the item holder causes a dominantlyhorizontal force to be applied on the second branch member, therebycausing engagement of the second branch member with the sidewall of thepost member.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein thedominantly horizontal force on the second branch member causesfrictional engagement of the second portion of the second branch memberwith the sidewall of the post member.
 8. The apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the item holder of the second branch member comprisesan elbow joint having a vertically extending portion and an item holdingplate supported by the vertically extending portion.
 9. The apparatusaccording claim 1, comprising at least two opposing openings and atleast two item-supporting frames, wherein the at least two opposingopenings comprise a first opening formed at a first height along thepost member and a second opening formed at a second height along thepost member, the first height being different from the second height;and wherein an item supporting frame is received in each of the firstopening and the second opening.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 1,comprising at least two opposing openings and at least twoitem-supporting frames, wherein the at least two openings comprise afirst pair of opposing openings in the sidewall and a second pair ofopposing openings in the sidewall oriented different from the first pairof opposite openings and positioned at a height below a height of thefirst pair of opposite openings; and wherein the at least twoitem-supporting frames comprise a first pair of oppositely positioneditem-supporting frames being received in the first pair of opposingopenings and a second pair of oppositely positioned item-supportingframes being received in the second pair of opposing openings, thesecond pair of oppositely positioned item-supporting frames beingpositioned at a height below a height of the first pair of oppositelypositioned item-supporting frames.
 11. The apparatus according to claim1, wherein the post member, the first branch member and the secondbranch member are formed of building pipes.
 12. The apparatus accordingto claim 11, wherein the building pipes are formed of at least one ofPVC, ABS, plastic and metal.
 13. An item displaying kit comprising: apost member having at least one opening formed in a sidewall thereof; atleast one item supporting frame, each item supporting frame comprising:a first branch member adapted to be inserted within the at least oneopening via a connector, the connector being adapted to engage a portionof the first branch member and to retain the first branch member withinthe at least one opening; a second branch member having an item holderat a first portion of the second branch; and a linking member adapted toextend between the first branch member and the second branch member,wherein when the first branch member is inserted into the at least oneopening via the connector and a downward force is applied on the itemholder, a second portion of the second branch member engages thesidewall of the post member, and wherein when the post member is in anupright position, the first branch member is positioned at a heightalong the post member above a height of the item holder of the secondbranch, the first branch member and second branch member are orientedsubstantially horizontally and the linking member is orientedsubstantially vertically.
 14. The kit according to claim 13, wherein thesecond portion of the second branch member abuts the sidewall of thepost member to engage it.
 15. The kit according to claim 13, comprisingat least two opposing openings and at least two item-supporting frames,wherein the at least two opposing openings comprise a first pair ofopposing openings in the sidewall and a second pair of opposing openingsin the sidewall oriented different from the first pair of oppositeopenings; and wherein the at least two item-supporting frames comprise afirst pair of oppositely positioned item-supporting frames beingreceived in the first pair of opposing openings and a second pair ofoppositely positioned item-supporting frames being received in thesecond pair of opposing openings.
 16. The kit according to claim 15,wherein the second pair of oppositely positioned item-supporting framesare oriented perpendicularly to the first pair of oppositely positioneditem-supporting frames.
 17. The kit according to claim 13, wherein thesecond portion of the second branch member is adapted to abut anexterior vertical surface of the sidewall of the post member to engageit.
 18. The kit according to claim 13, wherein the downward forceapplied on the item holder causes a dominantly horizontal force to beapplied on the second branch member, thereby causing engagement of thesecond branch member with the sidewall of the post member.
 19. The kitaccording to claim 13, wherein the item holder of the second branchmember comprises an elbow joint having a vertically extending portionand an item holding plate supported by the vertically extending portion.20. The kit according to claim 1, wherein the post member, the firstbranch member and the second branch member are formed of building pipes.